The United States Air Force Men's Enlisted Mess Dress Uniform is worn at official formal evening functions and occasions of state and is the military equivalent of a black-tie tuxedo. While possession of the Mess Dress Uniform is mandatory for Officers, it is an optional uniform for Enlisted personnel and they may wear the Semi-Formal at functions calling for Mess Dress attire. Saluting is not required while outdoors when wearing the Enlisted Mess Dress Uniform.
Mandatory components of the Men's Enlisted Mess Dress Uniform include:
♦ Men's Mess Dress Coat with chevrons
♦ Men's Mess Dress Shirt (Tuxedo-style, turn-down collars, pleats, French cuffs)
♦ Mess Dress Trousers (high-rise, 7/8-inch blue striping)
♦ Blue-satin bow tie
♦ Blue-satin cummerbund (pleats up)
♦ Matching cuff links and shirt studs
♦ Black Oxford dress shoes
♦ Chaplain, Aeronautical, Space, Cyberspace, and Missile Operation badges are mandatory
Only miniature medals may be worn with this uniform, and no more than two occupational badges may be worn at a time.